Re: On a related one...purdypiedadFebruary 11 2010, 18:33:43 UTC
Usually no. Very frequently, closed captioning is done in real time, which is the reason for the typos. These folks are typing 140 WPM and don't have a second to check their work.
Re: On a related one...swimtechFebruary 11 2010, 19:32:53 UTC
They're court reporters with court-reporting machines--that's how they do it, and yes, that's why it's not checked, because it's live. In a court situation, the transcripts are sent back and corrected. In an already canned TV show, the closed captioner is either sent a script (which is why closed captions don't always match the dialogue), or long after the show has aired, the episode is sent to a closed-captioner who has it transcribed and captioned.
Can you tell that I've worked both for a closed captioning firm and a court reporting firm? (NO ONE should have to see the movie BLIND DATE that many times in a row. No one. Also, it's impossible to find lyrics online for about 75% of the songs in REAL GENIUS.)
Re: On a related one...lyonessnycFebruary 11 2010, 19:39:49 UTC
I admit -- that's a job I wouldn't mind doing. I am nitpicky enough that I might enjoy it. I can't use court-reporting machines, but I am a very fast typist, and understand language well enough to use the right words! I'd proof for name spellings, too -- that's another pet peeve.
Re: On a related one...swimtechFebruary 11 2010, 19:47:00 UTC
Honestly, unless you can use a court reporting machine, transcribing videos for closed captioning is not a cost-effective use of your time. I think they used to pay a dollar (or maybe it was even 50 cents) per minute of video, and trust me, if you don't have a machine and perhaps even if you do, you have to listen several times to the same sequence. It's worse when you're transcribing something like the Christopher Lowell show--he talks very fast, and he talks OVER his guests, and you have to get both sides of the convo. Actually placing the captions paid the same rate, but since captioning is quicker, you ended up making more money.
I used to work for a really penny-ante outfit out in Long Island City. If you're really interested in it, I can e-mail you the name. But I think you've got better things to do.
Re: On a related one...lyonessnycFebruary 11 2010, 19:38:03 UTC
That's too bad that the CC companies don't spring for a bit of proofreading. The homophones and typos are astonishing, even on prerecorded programs. The news, I expect there to be some errors -- that's real-time. But Masterpiece Theater? Feh.
Re: On a related one...purdypiedadFebruary 11 2010, 19:45:45 UTC
I don't disagree, but as a medical transcriptionist, I would imagine that closed captioners, like us, are paid per line (or some other measure of volume). These means that speed is the ultimate priority. I do agree with you, though, that it should not be an excuse, especially when the dialogue in Masterpiece Theater really includes such challenges as differentiating between dysphagia and dysphasia. lol...
Re: On a related one...lyonessnycFebruary 11 2010, 19:51:31 UTC
Heh, as a paramedic, I know the difference between dysphagia and dysphasia, and it's a doozy! It's difficult when using them verbally, because they sound so similar. I try to make sure the doctor writes out exactly which one s/he means, although the dysphasia will be more readily apparent than the dysphagia!
This of course opens a whole new can of worms regarding quality of transcription work, quality of published works, etc. and the publishing world's reluctance to pay for the proofing necessary. But that's another gripe altogether. :D
Re: On a related one...purdypiedadFebruary 11 2010, 20:00:16 UTC
OMG. I HATE transcribing these words for doctors. "The speech and swallow evaluation showed marked dyspahagia/dysphasia status post CVA." Not enough context!!! Gah!
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I'm adding hoard vs horde.
And I just remembered the one the makes me crazy because I don't think I've ever seen anyone get it right in closed-captioning: brooch/broach.
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The closed-captioning makes me INSANE. My grandmother needs it, but boy. It sucks most of the time. Don't they have anybody check it??
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Can you tell that I've worked both for a closed captioning firm and a court reporting firm? (NO ONE should have to see the movie BLIND DATE that many times in a row. No one. Also, it's impossible to find lyrics online for about 75% of the songs in REAL GENIUS.)
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I used to work for a really penny-ante outfit out in Long Island City. If you're really interested in it, I can e-mail you the name. But I think you've got better things to do.
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This of course opens a whole new can of worms regarding quality of transcription work, quality of published works, etc. and the publishing world's reluctance to pay for the proofing necessary. But that's another gripe altogether. :D
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Ahem... *g*
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